How to Change the Weight of a Pool Cue?

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Any experienced pool player knows that the slightest miscalculation can ruin a potentially incredible shot.

This includes knowing how much weight your pool cue needs.

Luckily, changing the weight of a pool cue is pretty easy.

We will show you a couple of neat little tricks, and you can change your pool game for good.

Weigh the Pool Cue First

For most pool players, 18.9 ounces is the ideal weight for a pool cue.

You might also get away with a 21-ounce pool cue, though the heaviest recorded weight was 27 ounces.

Though some players have used a 27-ounce pool cue, it would be extremely hard to play with. It might also put extra wear and tear on your pool cue, especially for long-term use. 

Take your personal skills into account when selecting your pool cue’s weight. If you prefer snappier cue ball movements, choose a lighter weight, between 18 and 19 ounces.

For more controlled cue ball movements, a heavier pool cue, between 20 and 21 ounces, might work best.  

If you have trouble getting the cue ball moving, your pool cue may be too heavy. Heavy pool cues may break or wear down more easily thanks to their heavy impact on the ball.

If you are having a hard time controlling the cue ball, your pool cue may be too light. Keep in mind that a lighter cue requires good cue ball control, as well as energy control.  

Most people begin with a 19 or 20-ounce cue. If you are completely unsure about which weight to start with, just go with a 19-ounce pool cue. 

Do not worry if you do not like the 19-ounce. As you continue playing, you will get a better feel for your playing style, and you can adjust the weight as necessary.

How to Change the Weight of a Pool Cue

Depending on your pool cue brand, you can unscrew the pool cue in half or leave it as is.

Lay the two pieces or whole pool cue on the scale and note the measured weight. 

Locate the Cue’s Butt End and Screw It Off

Most pool cues have a butt end on the very bottom that screws off with a special tool.

Inside, you will see a threaded center rod with different washer-like weights or spacers. 

Sometimes these washers are metal or wood, though you can easily replace them with whichever material you like.

Remove the Center Rod and Play with Weight

You can usually remove the center rod from the pool cue altogether. Doing so should make it easier to adjust your pool cue’s weight. 

There will usually be a stabilizer on the top of the center rod. It might take a little work to remove them since they have to fit snugly against the rod. 

Your pool cue set should have a special tool for helping you remove the center rod. The center rod cannot unscrew with a regular screwdriver. 

Once you have removed the stabilizer, you can play around with the weights. Each weight usually adds 2 ounces. 

After placing weight onto the rod, slide a stabilizer onto the rod so the weight stays in place. The stabilizers will also protect the weights from banging into each other when you play. 

Always make sure you put the stabilizer back in place to keep the weights in position.

Do not force them on. Slowly and carefully work them on until they are in the right place.

Decide Where You Want the Weight to Lie Inside the Cue

You can adjust the weights inside the pool cue to be toward the front or rear of the cue.

If you want the weight more forward, slide the weights toward the point of the cue.

For a more rear-weighted cue, slide the weights toward the bumper. Make sure the stabilizer is set at least a half-inch above the bumper. 

Always make sure you keep a series of stabilizers along the rod, no matter where the weights lie on it.

That will keep the rod centered inside the pool cue and protect the rod during games.

Always Test the Pool Cue After Resetting the Weight

After you have finished putting the stabilizers in place, test the cue pool out.

You can continue to make adjustments as long as you do not go below 19 ounces or above 21 ounces. 

If the Butt End Does Not Screw Off

Some pool cues do not have a removable butt end, like the one we have described above.

This may make adjusting your pool cue’s weight slightly more difficult.

One way would be to cut the butt end off at the very edge, to shave a little weight off the cue.

To Make a Butt End Lighter

To make the pool cue even lighter, you can drill the cue end in the center to remove a little wood.

Use the same drill to create a shallow hole in the butt end. 

To close everything off, insert a piece of dowel (you can find these for cheap at craft stores). Make sure the dowel fits snugly into the holes.

When you have finished, glue it in place with wood glue. Gorilla glue is a good alternative.

To Add Weight to a Butt End

To make your pool cue butt end heavier, drill a hole into the pool cue. Carefully pour some steel shot into it.

Add some two-part epoxy to glue it all back together.

Note What Brand Your Pool Cue Is

Knowing what brand your pool cue is will tell you how you should change its weight.

Certain brands use specific weights. It is probably best to stick with what the brand originally uses.

Some brands might have also come with the tools necessary to change the weight. Check your pool cue set and see if any tools are inside. 

If you are unsure how to proceed, you can always take the pool cue to a pool hall or repair show.

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